Tea has been linked to many health benefits, including weight loss and improved mood. Is tea really a magical elixir?

“Researchers have closely examined tea, the second-most popular beverage in the world, and found it appears to lower the risk for heart disease and stroke, increase metabolism, strengthen bones and protect against fractures,” says Indrani Dhar, RD, CDN, Clinical Nutrition Supervisor at Putnam Hospital Center. “Drinking tea improves mood, concentration, performance and hydration.”

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Green tea
is minimally oxidized and has a light yellow or green tint and an earthy aroma. It should be consumed without milk or sugar. Green tea is packed with antioxidants known as polyphenols, which help protect your body’s cells from damage.

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Black tea
is more oxidized, which gives it a strong bold flavor and dark color. It can be combined with a variety of ingredients, such as spices, sugar, milk or lemon.

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White tea
is the least processed of all the teas—very lightly oxidized—with a delicate sweet flavor.

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Kombucha
, a tea created by fermenting sweetened black tea with yeasts and bacteria, is linked to improved disease-fighting immunity, but research has not confirmed these claims, according to the American Cancer Society.